When people told me about Wake Forest they said "that school is so beautiful" that "you must be really smart to get in" and that "it's really, really preppy." No one really told me how out scared I would feel, no one said that you may feel out of place, that people are cut-throat competitive, and that the place is nothing like home. When I thought about Wake Forest before I knew what the school would be like, I was so excited and I kept saying I just wanted to get out of my town, but move-in day something felt strange. I kept telling myself I should keep positive, things will turn up, but this school was nothing like my high school. I felt like if I weren't trying to get straight A's, becoming the president of my own club, or running a marathon on top of my 17 credit hours and extracurriculars, then I just wasn't working hard enough. All I wanted was to go home. I wanted to be surrounded by people who loved me. I thought I wanted to transfer.

Even though I practically left my house the last day of winter break in tears, I still came back. I decided to go through the week of hell, also know as sorority recruitment week, and I thought to myself that if I still didn't like it then I would just leave the school, no big deal.

There's this stigma that sororities are for the girly girls, the ones that only own Lilly Pulitzer and Lulu Lemon in their closet, and LOVE glitter. It's funny... When I was talking to a girl in theta she said "I am not really the sorority type of girl... In fact I really don't like the idea of them at all." I was shocked, but each girl I met from theta showed me that being yourself was actually okay for once. There was no "mold" that the Wake Forest Bubble had created for us, and if there were a "stereotype" it would be how none of us are the same product of society. I did not believe I would change my mind about this school, not that it is a bad place at all, the academics are challenging and I love it, but I am the sweatpants, hair pulled back, breaking a sweat at the gym kind of girl, and I was afraid I didn't fit in. But these girls are my home. They are silly, friendly, loving, and wonderful, and they are the original purpose of a sorority- to provide a safe haven for women when they need it.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Allow me to indulge
for a moment and say: Happy Birthday to us! It has been a year since this
lovely group of women assembled together on campus, brought together by our
lovely ELCs to help a diverse and wonderful group of young women to reestablish
the Zeta Omicron chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta at Wake Forest University. And
look at us now.

We have flourished and have definitely
sent positive vibes all across this campus. The way I see it, our chapter has
grown in so many ways and I am so happy to have watched this evolution. In case
you haven’t noticed (and because I am just so proud of the lovely women I can
call sisters) I’m going to recap just a few of the highlights for me over the
past year . . .

First of all, we pulled off several
amazing philanthropy events, CASA Royale last spring, Tie-a-Thon this fall, and
have put together another outstanding CASA Royale this spring. Secondly, we’ve
not only survived, but thrived during recruitment week, with quirky and
endearing components to each day’s event, and the best part of that week is
what it brought us—our wonderful, lovely, and newly initiated new members!
Finally, I just want to point out the significance of our presence on campus.

This
may not seem that important, but as a big believer in the ripple effect and the
wonder in small things, I would like to say that this holds so much more
meaning than I think anyone could convey. I hear great things about our sisters
from people on campus all the time and I don’t know how many times I’ve heard
“I love Thetas!” by people who have seen or directly experienced what we’ve
brought to this campus. And in case you were wondering, this is what we’ve
brought to campus: we are a diverse group of lovely young women who respect and
love each other and we each have something important to contribute to this
campus. Furthermore, as the always lovely Sam Larsen put it, we are a group of
individuals who refuse to be defined by a sorority, but rather, who define a
sorority by the standards we believe it should have and we have taken this
sorority to soaring heights (probably because we’re flying high on those kites,
man).

One
year ago today, I had no idea that the group of women I met at Kappa Alpha
Theta would be some of the most dedicated, creative, and fun people I have ever
met and I can honestly say that I am so happy, even honored, to have a place
among them all. This sisterhood has accomplished so many great things already,
I know we’re on a roller coaster that’s only going up, so enjoy the ride my
lovelies!

Friday, February 14, 2014

I’m constantly being asked, why I decided to join Kappa
Alpha Theta and charter an organization on campus. I could easily say that it
was so that I could define my sorority and not let myself be defined by my
sorority, I could say that it was to follow in my Grandfather’s footsteps (he
charted a fraternity at Miami University of Ohio), or I could say that it was
to leave a lasting impact on the university that gave me so many opportunities.
Looking back, when I decided to join Theta it wasn't because any of these
reasons but rather to simply be a part of the Greek community on campus. As
much as it pains me to admit this, this statement was true a year ago. After
going through recruitment and having to think about why I joined Theta and how
I could communicate the reasons to a PNM in hopes of inspiring them to join our
(AWESOME!) organization, I realized my reasons for staying in Theta are
different from my reasons for joining Theta. The sisterhood and sense of
community I have found in theta rings true to what everyone says about
sororities, my sisters are there for me through thick and thin and inspire me
to be the best version of myself that I can be (however cliché that sounds, it
is 100% true). I stayed a Theta because it gave me a place to succeed, and also
provided me with a group of girls who believe in me and truly think that I can
and will be successful. Theta gave me the courage to try new things; joining
this organization was like taking a step into the unknown, no one had any idea
of what the future of this organization. After receiving a not so great grade,
I question my place at this university academically, after a disagreement with
my roommate, I question my behavior, after a pit sit, I question what goes into
the food on this campus. Not once as being a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, have
I ever questioned my place in this organization or whether it was the right fit
for me. I am forever indebted to Kappa Alpha Theta for giving me lifelong
friendships, providing me with the skills necessary to succeed on campus and
also at my future job, giving me the courage to try new things, and most
importantly motivating me to be the best version of myself that I can be.